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Differences or similarities in the TMKs

17 Dec 2018
@ 01:24 pm (GMT)

Paul Leverman

Have read here that the 168gr TMK is a bullet with the terminal performance that is preferred for LR. But what about the 175gr TMK? I've done some searching in the forums, but my only results were for the lighter bullet.

Would it be safe to assume that they are constructed similarly and that terminal performance would then be similar?

My thoughts were that the heavier bullet would then increase the weight rating for the animal. If the 168gr was good for deer size, is the 178gr a moose round?

Anybody used them on critters yet?

Replies

20 Dec 2018
@ 08:30 am (GMT)

Quote this

Nathan Foster

Re: Differences or similarities in the TMKs

Hi Paul, construction is the same. This can be a suitable choice for larger bodied deer up to about 330lb. best not to push too far past this. The ELD-X is a better bullet for heavier deer, using a mix of both low velocity, high bullet weight and high game weight to case maximum internal wounding. Both the 200 and 220gr are good in this regard.

Its always a bit of a juggling act offering advice due to terrain and game weights. In a short barreled .308, a Partition can be the most useful for woods work / large body weights. But when using a .30-06 capable of high speeds, a bonded bullet can work better. Yet if we are expecting shots at impact velocities of 1800-2200fps, the ELD-X can make for a good allrounder, especially in the .308. In most instances, I suggest that guys start in the middle with a Partition, see how this works with regards to their hunting methods, shot placement vs local game weights. If a Partition fails (lets say it turns and sheds its rear core) it will still generally get the job done unless we are pushing to the extremes (heavy game) so generally speaking, we can expect success and will only need to make minor adjustments to our bullet selection to enhance certain areas of performance. Forum member Marty for example, noticed that the Partition was not penetrating in a truly straight line when used at close ranges / awkward angles on Sambar in the .30-06, so he switched to the Woodleigh. An A-Frame would give similar results. This minor change was all that was needed. On the other hand, he likes to take his son up onto the tops where the young man can make use of a softer bullet.

If you want to go with a fast expanding bullet design, use the caliber selection guide I put in the Cartridge book. If you want to break away from that guide, no worries, just make sure you still use a maximum sectional density vs adequate velocity type formula.